title: Increasing the motivation for physical activity in obese patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this randomized controlled study, a standardized motivation intervention was compared with a relaxation intervention with regard to its effectiveness in decreasing dropout rates and increasing physical activity in a sample of obese patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-eight obese participants were randomly assigned to a one-session motivation or relaxation intervention. Thereafter, both groups participated in an 8-week aerobic program. Adherence, physical activity, motivational stage of change, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed during intervention and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the aerobic program, the motivation group showed significantly fewer dropouts but comparable adherence if only completers were considered. Moreover, their weekly minutes of physical activity increased over time before leveling off, whereas steady decreases were observed in the relaxation group. For motivational stage of change and BMI, no significant group differences were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The importance and efficacy of motivational interventions in enhancing the high dropout rates in obesity treatment is underlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schelling
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Munsch
authors.forename: Andrea H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Newark
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Biedert
authors.forename: Juergen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Margraf
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D055815:Young Adult